Porsche 911 Cabriolet (996, facelift 2001) Carrera 4S 3.6 (320 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.7 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Porsche 911:

The Porsche 911 model series is a family of two-door, high performance rear-engine sports cars, introduced in September 1964 by Porsche of Stuttgart, Germany, and now in its eighth generation. All 911s have a rear-mounted flat-six engine, and usually 2+2 seating, except for special 2-seater variants. Originally, 911s had air-cooled engines, and torsion bar suspension, but the 911 has been continuously changed and improved across generations. Though the 911 core concept has remained largely unchanged, water-cooled engines were introduced with the 996 series in 1998, and front and rear suspension have been replaced by Porsche-specific MacPherson suspension up front, and independent multi-link rear suspension....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Cabriolet (996, facelift 2001) Overview:

Porsche 911 (Cabriolet (996, facelift 2001)). With 370 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1565 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.3 s). The top speed reaches 280 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

Carrera 4S 3.6 (320 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

Shares the excellent 3.6L engine with the Carrera, but the wider body and AWD system provide enhanced grip and stability, making it feel more planted.

Fuel Economy

Slightly higher fuel consumption than the RWD Carrera due to the AWD system, but still acceptable given the performance and added traction.

Best Use Case: All-weather performance driving, grand touring, and drivers seeking maximum grip and stability.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Iconic 911 driving dynamics and engaging handling.
  • • Powerful and characterful flat-six engines (especially Mezger in Turbo).
  • • Timeless design with open-top enjoyment.
  • • Excellent build quality and premium interior materials.
  • • Strong performance across all trims.

Cons:

  • • Known M96 engine issues (IMS bearing, bore scoring) for non-Turbo models.
  • • Tiptronic S transmission can feel dated compared to modern automatics.
  • • Limited luggage space, typical for a sports convertible.
  • • Higher running costs (fuel, maintenance, parts) than average.
  • • Interior design can feel less special than previous 911 generations to some.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(996, facelift 2001: 2000 - 2005).

General:
Brand:Porsche
Model:911
Generation:Cabriolet (996, facelift 2001)
Modification (Engine):Carrera 4S 3.6 (320 Hp)
Start of production:2001
End of production:2004
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Cabriolet
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:320 Hp @ 6800 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:89 Hp/l [30mm less]
Torque:370 Nm @ 4250 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M96.05 More details about the engine M96.05
Engine displacement:3596
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Boxer
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:8.8 l
Coolant:31 l
Engine layout:Rear, Longitudinal
Compression ratio:11.3:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:11.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:5.3 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:5.3 sec
Maximum speed:280 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:4.9 kg/Hp, 204.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.2 kg/Nm, 236.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1565
Max. weight:1965
Max load:400
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:100 l
Fuel tank capacity:64 l
Size:
Length:4435 mm [30mm less]
Width:1830 mm [Same width.]
Height:1295 mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2350 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size225/40 R18; 295/30 R18
Wheel rims size8J x 18; 11J x 18
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

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